RFD900X Combo Set

The RFD900X Combo Set allows an additional instance of a Ground Control Station (GCS) to be connected to PRISM in addition to the EchoSky Mobile GCS. Often, this is either a tablet or a laptop.

RFD900X Air Unit (Left) and RFD900X Ground Unit (Right)

The RFD900X transmitter operates on a lower frequency of 900mhz, allowing a long distance communication link, in addition to the EchoSky Mobile's 2.4ghz link.

NOTE: THIS LINK DOES NOT TRANSMIT VIDEO, ONLY DATA

This combo set has been created for a plug and play experience with PRISM and will take only a matter of minutes to set up.

Both RFD900X Units have been pre-programmed from the factory to operate on Channel 25, without encryption. This means that every single unit that ships from our facility will be operating on an open channel and can broadcast/receive messages from any other unit on the same channel. It is highly recommended to change the operating channel if you plan on operating multiple aircraft at one time, or if you plan to use your aircraft near other PRISM operators.

Installing The RFD900X Air Unit

To install the air unit, simply perform the following:

1. Remove the double sided tape from the air unit and attach the RFD900X Air Unit to the PRISM frame, as indicated in the photo below.

2. Plug in the 5v Power connector into the 5V power receptacle near the top of the frame.

3. Plug in the JST GH Data pin into an open port (either GPS 2 or Telemetry 2). GPS2 is recommended if it is available.

4. Use some velcro or zip ties (not included) to fasten any loose wires.

RFD900X Air Unit Installation Location

RFD900X Connectors Plugged Into 5V2A Output and GPS2

Setting Up The Cube To Communicate With The RFD900X Air Unit

In order to setup the cube for use with the RFD900X Air Unit, simply turn on both the aircraft and the EchoSky Mobile GCS. Then navigate to Vehicle Settings (the 3 gear buttons at the top), then Peripherals.

Next, for the serial port that the RFD900X is plugged into, select the RFD900X from the drop-down list. This will automatically change all of the necessary Cube parameters to operation. For example, if the RFD900X air unit is plugged into GPS2, you will change the settings for Serial 4 (GPS2). If the RFD900X is plugged into Telemetry 2, change the settings for Serial 2 (Telemetry 2)

NOTE: DO NOT CHANGE ANY OTHER PARAMETERS, AS THIS MAY CAUSE COMMUNICATION ISSUES WITH YOUR OTHER DEVICES.

Select the RFD900X In the PERIPHERALS Drop Down Menu

Using the RFD900X Ground Unit

Simply plug in the RFD900X Ground Unit's USB cable into your PC. Then, open Mission Planner or WattsQGC. In WattsQGC, it will automatically connect. In Mission Planner, simply choose the correct COM port, select 57600 Baud Rate and connect. It will then connect and begin loading the parameters.

RFD900X Ground Unit Plugged Into A PC Laptop

Note: The Cube can easily run these two instances of a Ground Control Station at the same time. Once both are connected, begin experimenting such as changing flight modes. When changing flight modes, you will hear both GCS' announce the flight mode change simultaneously. You can then begin to experiment with different things like programming waypoint missions and such from the laptop, then pulling them down from the drone on the handset. The cube just simply listens for the latest command - so in essence, it is really just listening for an input of some time. There is no priority - whatever command it receives (Whether it's from the handset or the laptop), it will perform. Keep this in mind when in use.

Changing The RFD900X Settings

Because the RFD900X Combo is shipped from our factory pre-programmed to the default channel, this means that one Ground Unit may be used for 2 or more drones - just not at the same time. However with this flexibility, you will run the risk of either a) Not being able to run two separate instances at the same time with two separate Ground Units or b) Encountering interference with another PRISM user also running stock settings.

If you would like to mitigate this, you can use the RFD900 Tools program to change the channels on the radio quite easily.

DOWNLOAD RFD TOOLS HERE

Using the RFDTools App.

1. Once you have downloaded RFDTools, ensure your PRISM is turned on and the Ground Unit RFD900X is plugged into your laptop. At this time, also be sure that Mission Planner and WattsQGC are closed.

2. Select the appropriate COM Port that your RFD900X Ground Unit is connected to.

3. Click Connect -> Load Settings

4. Once the settings have loaded, you can now see the settings that are on both the Local (Ground) unit and Remote (Air Unit).

5. To change the channel that you are operating on, simply change the NET ID channel on the Local side. Then click COPY REQUIRED TO REMOTE at the bottom.

6. Lastly, click SAVE SETTINGS.

This will then change both the Air and Ground Unit's channel.

In addition, you can also enable AES Encryption at this time, as it can generate a random encryption key for you as well if you desire. Once again, be sure to COPY REQUIRED TO REMOTE.